Skills and Characteristics

Skills and Characteristics

I am currently working at (OPCC) Ocean Park Community Center as a dual-diagnosis case manager. I work with homeless clients who suffer from mental health issues and substance abuse. The clients I services are often subjected to experience deep depression, isolation, relase mode and poor concentration. Not only do they have to deal with their mental health issue but they also have to deal with their drug addiction, which could be very difficulty on their part.
Working with the mentally disable population can be very challenging and overwhelming, however having a positive impact on the lives of others can be very rewarding. Some individuals will not consider working with this population, but I been working in this field for 15 years and I really enjoy my profession.
At my place of employment we mainly deal with the homeless population who have a mental disorder, as a case manager my responsibilities is to make sure my clients are attending their mental health appointments, I deal with crisis intervention, conduct intakes assessments, make medical appointments, I observe the clients taking their medication and one of my main goals for my clients is to seek transitional or permanent housing.      
What made me decided to work in the field of human services? Had nothing to do with me; I truly feel that this is my calling and it was a “God thing”. My skills and characteristics that I bring to the field of human services have a lot to do with my fifteen years experiences and knowledge I gained throughout those years.
When I first started working in this field I learned how important it is to practice active listening skills, having empathy for one’s feeling, maintaining client’s rights of confidentiality and along with making ethical decisions.  

I learned it is very important to utilize my listening skills on a daily basic with a client. Active listening skills involve listening with a purpose, gaining information, understanding others, solve problems,...